Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Threads

Ben, please add the Dawn of Orion compilation album A Celestial Ballad.

While I guess Mirror's Edge is a staple of The Gateway, it doesn't do a whole lot for me I must admit. The first track proper, "Afterimage" is the only one to offer any appeal to me, the female vocals being very nice and the track generally being less in-your-face than the other material. An overall sound that seems like a mixture of metalcore, nu-metal, djent and some industrial and electronic stylings, it doesn't speak to me at all, but its choppy riffing and angst-ridden vocals manage to irritate the shit out of me if I am being honest. It does seem to be competently performed and the compressed production style is tailor-made for this sort of angsty material, so I am guessing it is exactly the kind of things the band's usual fans expect. It is clear that I am far from the target audience for this and sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say "We can't all like everything can we, so I'll leave this to those who get it". Sorry Andi.

1.5/5

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

Thanks, Daniel. Could you please also post or pass this nomination: https://metal.academy/forum/28/thread/2488

I've passed this nomination uncontested.

This is extraordinarily difficult for me to find.  The only band of this example with more four albums that I can think of is Boston, and they aren't even metal.  Yes, each one did get gradually worse, and they only have six.

After realizing that The Gateway was the only clan without a "band discography ranking" thread, I decided to start it here. If you have any bands whose albums you've ranked from best to worst, feel free to post them here.

Let's start with the world's most famous alt-rock/metal band:

Linkin Park

1. Meteora

2. Hybrid Theory

3. The Hunting Party

4. Hybrid Theory EP

5. Collision Course (EP)

6. From Zero

7. Papercuts (compilation)

8. Reanimation (remix album)

9. Xero Demo

10. Minutes to Midnight

11. Living Things

12. A Thousand Suns

13. One More Light

14. Recharged (remix album)

A playlist I've made based on the above list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5LTu94tw97MMAlLfVGI5sJ

Getting into the "band discography ranking" trend, I decided to start those threads as well, in a couple of my own clans. If you have any bands whose albums you've ranked from best to worst, feel free to post them here.

Here are a few of my favorite American melodic metalcore bands, 10 full-length studio albums each:

Trivium

1. In Waves

2. Ascendancy

3. In the Court of the Dragon

4. What the Dead Men Say

5. Shogun

6. The Sin and the Sentence

7. Vengeance Falls

8. Ember to Inferno

9. The Crusade

10. Silence in the Snow

August Burns Red

1. Death Below

2. Constellations

3. Messengers

4. Leveler

5. Guardians

6. Phantom Anthem

7. Found in Far Away Places

8. Rescue & Restore

9. Sleddin' Hill: A Holiday Album

10. Thrill Seeker

All That Remains

1. Overcome

2. The Fall of Ideals

3. Antifragile

4. ...For We Are Many

5. This Darkened Heart

6. A War You Can Not Win

7. The Order of Things

8. Victim of the New Disease

9. Behind Silence and Solitude

10. Madness

A Spotify playlist I've made based on my Mechina favorite tracks list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46x2HxpNaUfLUQrisTSXCn

Getting into Sonny's "band discography ranking" idea, I decided to start those threads as well, in a couple of my own clans. If you have any bands whose albums you've ranked from best to worst, feel free to post them here.

Let's start with the Illinois-based epic sci-fi storytelling masters of symphonic cyber metal:

Mechina

1. Progenitor

2. Acheron

3. Siege

4. The Assembly of Tyrants

5. Telesterion

6. As Embers Turn to Dust

7. Venator

8. Tyrannical Resurrection (EP)

9. Xenon

10. Empyrean

11. Conqueror

12. Cenotaph

Tune in next month or two, after their new album Bellum Interruptum comes out and I listen to and review it, to see where it stands in my ranking list.

Here's my review summary:

Catch Thirty-Three is a concept album where all songs flow seamlessly together like an epic suite, similar to some Between the Buried and Me albums. A complete trek of a journey from start to finish, that you would want to do all over again. It's a djent journey not to be missed, with the usual downtuned guitars, bellowed vocals, and complex drumming (though it's programmed unlike the other albums). Lyrics, riffs, ambience, and seamless suite sections, all you can hear in this monstrous album. One word: brilliant!

5/5

Recommended tracks: The whole album, or if you just want separate tracks - "The Paradoxical Spiral", "Entrapment", "Mind’s Mirrors", "In Death" (both parts), "Shed", "Sum"

For fans of: Between the Buried and Me (for the "seamless album suite" aspect), Sikth, Textures

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

The Mad Capsule Markets - "INTRODUCTION 010" from 010 (2001)

4.5/5. Let's start with this intro that's good music for the industrial part of my metal heart.

Neurotech - "The Cyber Waltz" from The Decipher Volumes (2013)

5/5. This highlight greatly picks up where Blue Screen Planet left off. It's a true cyber metal anthem, with everything you can ask for from the symphonics, synths, electronics, pianos, guitars, drums, beats, and vocals. The perfect memorable beginning of this spacey journey, and done much better than the heavier first part of Blue Screen Planet.

Peace, Love & Pitbulls - "Das neue konzept" from Red Sonic Underwear (1994)

4.5/5. An excellent concept, though not really a concept track or concept album.

PAIN - "Not for Sale" from I Am (2024)

5/5. One of the best songs from the new album of this project founded by this f***ing legend that is Peter Tägtgren. This makes me feel like punching through glass even though I shouldn't. The Neurotech-ish keyboards in the bridge midway through sound epic, in contrast to the comedic lyrics.

Pitchshifter - "Product Placement" from Infotainment? (1996)

4.5/5. Quite amazing despite the band's transition to a more electronic sound.

Combichrist - "Guns at Last Dawn" from One Fire (2019)

4/5. An underrated heavy song featuring Fear Factory then-vocalist Burton C. Bell.

Rabbit Junk - "Bits and Razors" from Bits and Razors (2020)

4.5/5. With this much electronic fire, it would be interesting if this song ends up on Beat Saber. This is basically synth-fueled industrial metalcore that really levels up after the first minute. I might try singing/screaming along to this tune.

Mechina - "Freedom Foregone" from Siege (2021)

5/5. This 11 and a half minute epic is the band's longest song to be part of an album and not released as a separate single. Tragedy and triumph collide with each other, alongside more of the heavy instrumentation and emotional singing. Then after the final chorus, the last bit of clean guitar and violin melancholy close this chapter of the Mechina saga. But this playlist is far from over...

Samael - "In the Deep" from Lux Mundi (2011)

4.5/5. Can I get a "hail yeah" for this heavy song?!

Ludovico Technique - "Haunted" from Haunted People (2022)

4/5. From just the first 20 seconds, you know haunting this song is gonna get, as if it's sung by a vampire living in loneliness and immortality.

The Amenta - "Twined Towers" from Revelator (2021)

4.5/5. This one is The Amenta's longest song at 8 minutes and might remind some of a more brutal take on Ministry's mid-90s material.

Bad Omens, WARGASM (UK) - "Hedonist (Recharged)" from Concrete Jungle (The OST) (2024)

5/5. Wargasm strikes on in this energetic highlight packed with synths as heavy as the guitars. I've already heard of Wargasm via their remixes with Enter Shikari and Crossfaith. Milkie Way's vocals are more hyper than a sugar-buzzed cheerleader, and that's what I like there!

Circle of Dust - "Chasm" from Disengage (1998)

4.5/5. Disengage and Circle of Dust's other albums are worth giving lots of praise to.

AP2 - "The Red Shirt Conspiracy" from Suspension of Disbelief (2000)

5/5. This highlight actually sounds like an industrial take on the earlier thrash of Voivod and Sabbat with guest vocals by Joel Timothy Bell.

Celldweller - "One Good Reason" from Celldweller (2003)

4.5/5. Anyone who has played Need for Speed Most Wanted can recognize this song's instrumental version, but the original's killer too.

Acumen Nation - "Pistol Whip Me Back Into Your Arms" from Strike 4 (2000)

4/5. This one's great, but a little too rock-ish. "Pistol whip me back into your ARMS!!!!"

Blacklodge - "Culto Al Sol - Solarkult" from Machination (2012)

3.5/5. Heavy hellfire in this one, but maybe a bit too black metal-ish here.

Skrew - "Universal Immolation" from Universal Immolation (2014)

3/5. Skrew reformed with heavier deathly guitars and vocals while maintaining the samples and industrial elements. Still not feeling it much though.

Hint - "In Tenebris" from 100% White Puzzle (1995)

2.5/5. Wow, this is just a dark jazz interlude. Not sure at all while I put it there besides the fact that it's an interlude.

Megaherz - "Rock Me Amadeus" from Kopfschuss (1998)

3/5. Cool cover of that Falco hit, though it's still Neue Deutsche Härte.

Subway to Sally - "So Rot MMXXI" from Himmelfahrt (2023)

3.5/5. Slightly better and more beautiful, a good NDH take on a ballad from their earlier medieval folk era.

Seth Ect - "Orison II" from Godspeak (2011)

4/5. Great sequel to a Seth Ect track from an earlier playlist.

KMFDM - "Sucks" from Angst (1993)

4.5/5. You just gotta love this band's humor mixed with heavy riffing and industrial rock/metal.

Godflesh - "Tiny Tears" from Streetcleaner (1989)

5/5. And now, here we are at the final leg of this playlist, starting with my favorite song of that EP/side of Godflesh's debut Streetcleaner.

Static-X - "Invincible" from Shadow Zone (2003)

4.5/5. RIP Wayne Static. His music will remain invincible.

Motionless in White - "Somebody Told Me" from Disguise (2019, 2021 special edition)

5/5. I love this song, probably the best ever rendition of that Killers hit! Can be heard in the 2021 special edition of Disguise.

Sybreed - "Destruction and Bliss" from God is an Automaton (2012)

5/5. The 10-minute finale of its original album and this playlist is the best track here. It starts djenty as heavy rhythms fill the atmosphere. The best part is the kick-A solo by Travis Montgomery of Threat Signal. The perfect farewell from Sybreed!

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Any Given Day - "My Doom" from Everlasting (2016)

4.5/5. Let's start off with some melodic metalcore the way it's meant to be done, with strong clean vocals, just like Killswitch Engage.

Bleed from Within - "In Place of Your Halo" from In Place of Your Halo (2024)

5/5. And here's more of that, but more brutal, with some eerie bagpipes throughout the last minute.

Silent Planet - "Mindframe" from Mindframe (2024)

4.5/5. Let's drop that cyberpunk metalcore beat!

Resolve - "Exposed" from Reverie (2017)

4/5. There's a lot more music to explore, and sometimes you can get them from a Spotify recommendation or a YouTube ad. The chorus is really good here. It's a true banger than can barely disappoint! This band and Landmvrks have shaped up the French modern metalcore scene. The heavy structure really stands out.

Fit for a King - "Dead Memory (feat. Jake Luhrs)" from Deathgrip (2016)

4.5/5. I'm glad to give Fit for a King a chance the first time I listened to that band two years ago. The blend of heavy verses and clean choruses has quite an As I Lay Dying/Demon Hunter vibe. The guest vocals by Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red give the song great impact, almost as much as the other FFAK albums Creation/Destruction. Lots of metalcore emotion to love! "Would you even notice if my world was falling apart? Would you even care if my heart stopped beating?"

Hollow Front - "Hold Me Down" from Hold Me Down (2024)

4/5. F***ing talented drumming in this one! This band knows how to make kick-A songs that can stay fresh.

Memphis May Fire - "Sleepless Nights" from Unconditional (2014)

4.5/5. The lyrics here are quite relatable for anyone in sleepless anxiety.

Imminence - "86" from The Reclamation of I (2024)

5/5. With hammer-fists and drum sticks, Peter Hanstrom blasts through this highlight alongside talented screams and singing of Eddie Berg (also the violinist) that in turn go well with dissonant riffs and melodies. The lyrics are so beautiful and fit greatly even when screamed.

Demon Hunter - "Hell Don't Need Me" from Extremist (2014)

4.5/5. A slower and sludgier track that's quite interesting.

Trivium - "To the Rats" from The Crusade (2006)

4/5. One of only a couple tracks from The Crusade to qualify for The Revolution, this one balls out some chaotic thrashy metalcore while having a more positive chorus.

Still Remains - "The Worst is Yet to Come" from Of Love and Lunacy (2005)

4.5/5. An amazing classic example of melodic metalcore! "Is this embedded status permanent?!?"

Haste the Day - "Servant Ties" from Pressure the Hinges (2007)

5/5. One of the f***ing best songs by Haste the Day! I love the riffing and the vocals, even the cleans. The bridge at over the two minute mark is quite epic, as is the soloing 45 seconds later, one of the most awesome guitar solos in melodic metalcore.

Wage War - "Gravity" from Deadweight (2017)

4.5/5. The drop C-tuned melodic metalcore continues in a slower pace. Far better than the similar-sounding similarly-titled Bullet for My Valentine song!

Annisokay - "Never Enough" from Never Enough (2024)

4/5. Annisokay fans would certainly dig this 5 days early Christmas gift.

Bury Tomorrow - "Boltcutter" from The Seventh Sun (2023)

4.5/5. Another insane metalcore song to take your breath away.

Blessthefall, Alpha Wolf - "DRAG ME UNDER" from DRAG ME UNDER (2024)

5/5. Anyone else enjoy two bands in one song?! I certainly approve of this blessing!

The Browning - "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" from Blue (Da Ba Dee) (2025)

4.5/5. How about some Blue to go with that Browning? An epic cover, though I prefer the Fleshgod Apocalypse cover slightly more.

Eighteen Visions - "Fake Leather Jacket" from XVIII (2017)

5/5. This one turns things around as another highlight, and the strongest one here too. There are more of the vengeful screams by Hart, "LIAR!!!! SADIST!!! CORPORATE!!! RAPIST!!!" The heavy verses and anthemic choruses are the best of what the album has in store.

Rolo Tomassi - "The Hollow Hour" from Time Will Die and Love Will Bury It (2018)

5/5. A f***ing beautiful mathcore epic! They can go as progressive as Gojira with a bit of black metal in the heavier sections. Such an awesome banger!

Daughters - "Hyperventilationsystem" from Hell Songs (2006)

4.5/5. "Love is a disgusting thing", according to the chant in this hyper track that would keep you away from sleeping.

Knut - "Bound" from Leftovers (1997)

4/5. Another heavy mathcore track. RIP Didier Séverin

The Sleeper - "Paradigm" from Aurora (2013)

3.5/5. Quite brutal, but a little too much for a djenty metalcore track.

Aviana - "DELIRIUM" from DELIRIUM (2024)

4/5. A heavy ripped banger for a two-minute track! There's even a bit of hardstyle 40 seconds in.

Graphic Nature - "N.F.A." from Who Are You When No One Is Watching? (2024)

4.5/5. The hardcore heaviness shines the best in this short track. Enough said!

Memory of a Melody - "'Til Death Do Us Part" from Things That Make You Scream (2011)

4/5. What's not to love besides my brother enjoying this song? And why not? It's like if Breaking Benjamin leveled up the metalcore elements in their alt-rock/metal.

Convictions - "Eros" from I Am Nothing (2012)

4.5/5. This song is also excellent, though this Convictions EP is their only one with lead vocalist Dan Gardner. That's a shame because I love his screams here. It might remind some of Dream on Dreamer, especially the more hardcore yet clean singing at the two and a half minute mark.

Kingdom of Giants - "Smoke" from Bleeding Star (2024)

4/5. The electronic intro starts the song off interesting, but it gets heavier as it progresses, especially halfway through. Seems like we still have some cyberpunk metalcore left after that Silent Planet track. Northlane, Architects, and Bad Omens influences unite!

Filth - "Idle Hands" from The Burden of Isolation (2018)

4.5/5. Nothing but filthy brutal deathcore in this one.

A Wake in Providence - "Mournful Benediction (feat. Ben Duerr)" from I Write To You, My Darling Decay (2024)

5/5. This one keeps up the perfect balance this band has between melody and heaviness. Drum blasts, symphonic keys, and a guest vocal appearance by Shadow of Intent's Ben Duerr make the song guaranteed to be an eternal epic deathcore hit.

Make Them Suffer - "Weeping Wastelands" from Neverbloom (2012)

4.5/5. This one was re-recorded from their brutal demo EP Lord of Woe, and is the band's longest song at nearly 7 minutes. It's not as special as those other two epics in its original album (the title track and "Maelstrom"), but it's still listenable by any means.

Shadow of Intent - "Malediction" from Melancholy (2019)

5/5. The playlist doesn't end there though, making way for this monumental gem, one of the best I've heard from this band and genre. I really am torn between whether this is the perfect ending for its original album or that long instrumental epic before it.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Nice choice, Andi. I hadn't heard of this project before, but a single playthrough while I was out this morning found me enjoying it very much. Hopefully I will be able to spend a bit more time with it during the month and work up a review.

Here's my review summary:

After the overly hardcore punk-ish Halo in a Haystack, the second Converge album Petitioning the Empty Sky marks a great contributor to the birth of the metalcore we know, love, and hate. Who knows what metalcore would've been like if Converge didn't step out of their hardcore comfort zone? I'm glad they did! This album has been praised and put in top-10 hardcore/metalcore album lists, along with other later Converge albums. Petitioning the Empty Sky has caused a new flow in the history of hardcore and heavy metal. If anyone who can't stand metalcore hears this and screams, "What is THIS!?!", the correct answer would be "A revolutionary piece of heavy history!" Converge wasn't the only band with the idea of inventing metalcore. There seems to be a school of bands experimenting with mixing metal with hardcore, but I'm sure the top student of that metal-hardcore experimentation class is, you guessed it, Converge! And it looks like a couple other bands in 1996/1997 (Cave In and The Dillinger Escape Plan) were already following Converge's steps with their own demos/EPs, though they couldn't go the same height as Petitioning the Empty Sky...except maybe Dillinger's Calculating Infinity. Anyway, unlike Halo in a Haystack and the earlier Converge demo EPs that lean more towards traditional hardcore, their second album unleashed the rhythm vs. melody instrumentation and dissonant vocals of metalcore. It is a raw dynamic brute force to dig out of the underground and change two genres' destinies! I can go on about the first track "The Saddest Day" alone and how it perfectly exemplifies the sound of the band and the genre at the time, but it's best left in the full review. Cacophonic guitars drift through with the throbbing rhythm of drums and bass (NOT the genre, the instruments) with a caustic vocal force as vocalist Jacob Bannon screams his lungs out. The album was re-released two years later with live tracks that are great but not as much as the studio part of the album. While I'm sure there are more experimental metalcore albums out there by bands like Cave In, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and even Converge themselves in their ambient-ish masterpiece Jane Doe, Petitioning the Empty Sky is revolutionary in the hardcore and metal fields, ranging from violent chaos to tranquil melody. Generally, it's a #1 metalcore kick-starter pack!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "The Saddest Day", "Dead", "Farewell Note to the City", "Color Me Blood Red"

For fans of: early Cave In, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Shai Hulud

Vocalist David Holch also has a creditable crack at reproducing Burton C. Bell's growling bark as the main vocal, but where he comes unstuck is with the complementary clean vocals which, in all honesty, sound terrible, as if he can't carry a tune at all. They are so bad that I can't believe no one advised the band to re-record them or get a guest in to help out.

The Tyrannical Resurrection EP recorded two years later has half the amount of songs in the debut re-recorded, but as much as I enjoy The Assembly of Tyrants, I agree that the band should re-record the album entirely (except for the "Clash" remix) with their later vocalist Mel Rose singing the cleans. That can be like a special 20th anniversary thing later this year, which I guess depends on if they get at least a smidge more success out of their new album Bellum Interruptum to be released two months from now.

Fantastic choice, Daniel! The power metal-ish melodeath of Skyfire is a grand treat for any fan of Children of Bodom, Norther, and early Eternal Tears of Sorrow.

Great choice, Kosie! That's one of my personal highlights of that Corrections House album with its dark heavy sound and lyrics of poetic rage.

Killswitch Engage is another great melodic metalcore band for me, so somewhere around the melodic metalcore section (tracks 1-5) would be good.

You're doing it right, Zach. I love that In This Moment song, another great track to please the alt-metal crowd.

Nice choice with that Taramis track, Daniel. Cool 80s progressive power metal right there!

This nomination has been passed uncontested.

https://metal.academy/hall/568

I decided to pass "Aquarela" uncontested.

https://metal.academy/hall/567

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Dawn of Ashes - "Thirteen Chants to Lilith" from The Crypt Infection II (Non Serviam) (2019)

4.5/5. I was hoping for some chanting vocals eerily saying "Lilith", but there isn't any. Still an excellent dark intro for this playlist!

Celldweller - "Unshakeable" from Wish Upon a Blackstar (2012)

5/5. Klayton can blend so many genres that he has practically invented his own! Electro-industrial rock/metal is blended greatly with the drum and bass of Pendulum and the dubstep of Skrillex, all that should be worth it for anyone wanting to explore this tempting mix. Both the vocals and instrumentation are phenomenal. And there's absolutely no AI required to make such a layered track (of course, this was 10 years before the AI boom). Lots of wild electronics here!

Fear Factory - "Zero Signal" from Demanufacture (1995)

4.5/5. This one is amazing with futuristic atmosphere before ending peacefully with a piano outro.

Meathook Seed - "Day of Conceiving" from Embedded (1993)

4/5. This one viciously punches through in sludgy grind.

Davey Suicide, Telle Smith - "Medicate Me" from Rock Ain't Dead (2020)

4.5/5. Industrial/alternative metal ain't dead by a long shot with this killer tune! There are some vibes from Starset and The Word Alive, the latter band's vocalist Telle Smith guest appearing in this track.

HEALTH, Filter - "FREE TO DIE" from RAT WARS ULTRA EDITION (2024)

4/5. Health has collaborated with Nine Inch Nails, Lamb of God, Godflesh, etc. Now it's Filter's turn. Quite enjoyable!

Lord of the Lost, Feuerschwanz - "Lords of Fyre" from Lords of Fyre (2024)

3.5/5. Wow, 3rd collaboration track in a row! This one has good medieval industrial/rock metal, but it sounds a little cheesy, and bringing in Feuerschwanz is unnecessary.

Red Harvest - "Dead Cities" from A Greater Darkness (2007)

4/5. Some more of this dark greatness to please my ears!

Psyclon Nine - "Anaesthetic (For the Pathetic)" from Crwn Thy Frnicatr (2006)

4.5/5. Another one of the best Psyclon Nine tracks for me, with more of their electro-industrial metal sound and dark lyrics.

Device - "Out of Line (feat. Serj Tankian & Terry "Geezer Butler)" from Device (2013)

4.5/5. This one stands out well as another one of Black Sabbath's members, Geezer Butler performs his audible bass, while David Draiman and System of a Down's Serj Tankian both sing their perfect lyrical views of the world.

Northlane - "Freefall" from Alien (2019)

5/5. This highlight has a brief slow introduction, then it explodes into a faster drive. The heavier side with screamed vocals and djenty riffing definitely makes this song another favorite of mine.

Eisbrecher - "Everything is Wunderbar" from Everything is Wunderbar (2024)

4.5/5. Eisbrecher is back with an amazing new single, from the cold northern lands of Germany.

Megaherz - "Engelsgesicht" from In Teufels Namen (2023)

4/5. Quite addictive to sing along to, at least for people who can understand German better than I can.

Knorkator - "Eigentum" from Das nächste Album aller Zeiten (2007)

3.5/5. I guess I can grin at the comedic lyrics, but it is a little too much, not to mention the song a bit soft and poppy.

Combichrist - "Heads Off" from CMBCRST (2024)

3/5. Heavier but disappointing, even when adding some decent black metal-ish riffing.

Static-X - "From Heaven" from Project: Regeneration Vol. 2 (2024)

3.5/5. Perhaps the last song with the late Wayne Static's vocals. May he rest in industrial/alt-metal heaven. It's actually a cover of "The Disease" by Echo and the Bunnymen, but either way, it reminds us not to end up like him. I'm sure he would be proud of how the band is doing with Edsel Dope as Xer0. A good beautiful signoff. RIP Wayne....

Blacklodge - "All Seeing Eye" from Machination (2012)

4/5. Quite killer, yet the lyrics are hard to get a grip on.

Shining - "Off the Hook" from One One One (2013)

4.5/5. The Norwegian band Shining's jazzy experimental industrial metal sound rules!

Strapping Young Lad - "Consequence" from SYL (2003)

5/5. This highlight pounds through with evil riffing and searing drumming.

Brujeria – "Molestando Ninos Muertos" from Matando gueros (1993)

4.5/5. An interesting track submission from Daniel. The lyrics are so bizarre and disturbing, as if the title isn't enough of a tip-off. And the song is from a deathgrind album notorious for its cover art showing a photo of an actual decapitated head. It's as dark and obscene as Cannibal Corpse and the movie The Exorcist. Yet it's so intriguing! This might've been helped out by the switch into Godflesh-style industrial metal this track has. It has amazing industrial rhythm. Still this is as edgy as edgy can go.

Ministry - "No W Redux" from Houses of the Mole (2004)

4/5. This version of "No W" does not have the "O Fortuna" samples in the intro and outro, excluded due to copyright issues. Such a shame because the original has greater impact for this blazing thrashy industrial metal track.

Pitchshifter - "Underachiever" from Infotainment? (1996)

4/5. Pitchshifter seems to take some Ministry aspects such as political lyrics and audio samples, though Pitchshifter's brand of industrial metal is more, well, industrial.

OOMPH! - "Bastard" from Unrein (1998)

4.5/5. Perhaps one of the best OOMPH! songs for me, hailing a true NDH classic. If humanity doesn't f***ing learn their lesson, let's hope we all will still have a glimmer of existence acknowledged from afar.

Sybreed - "Twelve Megatons Gravity" from Antares (2007)

5/5. A prime example of aggressive deathly electro-industrial metal. It is one of the most rage-filled songs I've heard in the genre that barely any other bands can reach.

Turmion Katilot - "Schlachter" from Reset (2024)

5/5. Following this is a wonderful remix of the debut's "Teurastaja", featuring Chris Harms of Lord of the Lost. I might just love it more than the original!

Neo Inferno 262 - "Pleonectic" from Pleonectic (2023)

4.5/5. I'm not usually a fan of long ambient industrial interludes, but this one actually sounds nice, a good leadup into the final two tracks...

Mechina - "The Assembly of Tyrants" from The Assembly of Tyrants (2005)

5/5. The main part of Mechina's debut album ends with its 8-minute title epic. It's a true masterpiece highlight that greatly foreshadows what's to come later for this band.

Neurotech - "Ultra Us" from Infra Versus Ultra (2014)

5/5. The melancholic closing track of Infra Versus Ultra has the perfect music and lyrics to end this cyber metal adventure and this playlist.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks Daniel for accepting this and your help with your submission, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Hollow Front - "Afflicted" from Loose Threads (2020)

4/5. Let me start by saying how overlooked some bands can be, including Hollow Front. There's great intensity from both the clean and unclean vocals.

The Browning - "MISERY.exe" from OMNI (2024)

4.5/5. H*ll of a fun electronic metal/deathcore banger featuring the downtuned guitar talents of Nik Nocturnal.

Shadow of Intent - "Flying the Black Flag" from Flying the Black Flag (2024)

5/5. Apparently, fellow deathcore band Disembodied Tyrant co-wrote this f***ing bada** song.

Carnifex - "Dragged into the Grave" from Die Without Hope (2014) 

5/5. Another awesome deathcore track! "Remember when I said I wanna watch myself choke."

Aviana - "Ominous" from Polarize (2017)

4.5/5. The vocals here are so beastly, reminding me of Invent Animate.

Alleviate - "DMNS" from DMNS (2024)

4.5/5. The metalcore journey continues with this amazing rifftastic banger.

Haste the Day - "For a Lifetime" from When Everything Falls (2005)

5/5. "We will forever stay united, we won't back down, and we will not stop fighting!" This is one of my favorite Haste the Day songs. I like when they sound like Parkway Drive with higher screamo vocals.

Thrown - "Dislike" from EXCESSIVE GUILT (2024)

4.5/5. Nothing to dislike about this brutal banger!

Malevolence - "Eternal Torment" from Reign of Suffering (2013)

4/5. My dad's been making me to do the dishes lately. Metalcore hard-hitters like this should help motivate me. The blend of Hatebreed's hardcore and Lamb of God's deathly groove sounds so kick-A, maybe even the melody of August Burns Red and Bleed from Within. And there are two more albums from this band besides Reign of Suffering.

Signs of the Swarm - "Bleak Cycle" from Senseless Order (2016)

4.5/5. Amazing song, but it's a bit problematic with the guest vocals by Chris Gonzalez, whichever band he's from.

Oceano - "Plague Campaign" from Depths (2009)

5/5. This awesome deathcore banger is so beautiful and brutal. The final third of this track should definitely work as a boss battle theme, alongside some f***ing sick lyrics, "Mankind's demise is reoccurring". Lots of ultra-heavy destruction!

Elwood Stray - "Reset" from Burn the Bridge (2017)

4.5/5. I love this one, despite a bit of strain in trying to sound like the late Chester Bennington, RIP.

Kingdom of Giants - "Hope" from Every Wave of Sound (2013)

4.5/5. Same with this one, but this time adding in spoken samples.

Black Veil Brides - "Knives and Pens" from Re-Stitch These Wounds (2020)

5/5. Just like the original, the re-recording has similar riffing to that Avenged Sevenfold song "Unholy Confessions", and that actually beats that one! This is what got me interested in this band, despite dumping those metalcore roots in subsequent albums. SO AWESOME!!!

Enter Shikari - "Sorry, You're Not a Winner" from Take to the Skies (2007)

5/5. Myspace trance-metalcore can be a winner with this beautiful banger. Enter Shikari have really kickstarted the electronicore scene in the UK, the way Attack Attack! kickstarted it in the US.

Dal Av, Jackson Rose - "Insanely Illegal Cage Fight" from Insanely Illegal Cage Fight (2023)

4.5/5. If Dal Av and Jackson Rose team up to make their own full album, it would be quite brutal.

All That Remains - "Forever Cold" from Forever Cold (2024)

5/5. I absolutely look forward to the new All That Remains album Antifragile, and this is the song that has gotten me the most pumped up. Jason Richardson has done well in maintaining the legacy of the late Oli Herbert, RIP.

Trivium - "Forsake Not the Dream" from In Waves (2011)

4.5/5. This one once again unleashes the heavy drums and powerful guitars. It's a little inconsistent and repetitive, but still a better song nonetheless.

Vicious Rain, Half Me - "Hysteria" from There is Beauty in Letting Go (2024)

4/5. Anyone who enjoys Vicious Rain and Half Me will get a sweet kick out of this one.

Vianova - "Wheel of Fortune" from Wheel of Fortune (2024)

4.5/5. First time hearing this band, and this song is so wild and weird, leveling up the progressive metalcore of Protest the Hero and Sikth.

Imminence - "Lighthouse" from Turn the Light On (2019)

5/5. This one is the heaviest track on its original album. It makes all the soft tracks in that album cower in fear. Holy sh*t, the chorus is so massive! Pretty much everything is so great, with my favorite part being when the violin leads into a huge orchestrated section. That's the epitome of epic ambient metalcore!

Shadows Fall - "In the Grey" from In the Grey (2024)

5/5. Shadows Fall is back with a vengeance! And now we need to God Forbid to return for real.

Ankor - "Shoganai" from Shoganai (2024)

4.5/5. Ankor can make an epic talented mini-journey within a song. Just from the one-minute mark, it's insane! I also like the brief throwback to "Oblivion" in over the 3-minute point. Then less than a minute later, bassist Julio Lopez sings part of the chorus, right before it starts hitting the climax. I almost cried in joy.

Architects - "Whiplash" from Whiplash (2024)

5/5. This ground-breaking banger had made sure the band isn't dead. F*** yeah!

Earth Crisis – "Eden's Demise" from Firestorm E.P. (1993)

4.5/5. This one tries to teach us that veganism might be the way to save the environment. Is that Straight Edge or what!?

Void of Vision - "As Above So Below" from Children of Chrome (2016)

4/5. Light up the f***ing heavy fire, all the way up to the outro! Too bad this band will soon disappear from activity.

Converge - "Locust Reign" from The Poacher Diaries (1999)

4/5. Sweet screaming power! Plus an audio sample from Sixteen Candles at the end.

Psyopus - "Medusa" from Odd Senses (2009)

4.5/5. F***ing insane intro! Odd Senses is another killer mathcore album.

Ion Dissonance - "Play Dead... And I'll Play Along" from Solace (2005)

5/5. Another awesome band that I wish I could've found earlier. Wild mathcore with bits of tech-death!

Car Bomb - "Spirit of Poison" from 'w^w^^w^w' (2012)

4.5/5. This one also briefly used clean vocals without reducing the usual monstrosity.

Underoath - "To Whom It May Concern" from Define the Great Line (2006)

4.5/5. This 7-minute epic is where atmosphere twists from heavy to smooth for an emotional atmosphere to enjoy, summing up the lyrical themes greatly for a new hope.

Make Them Suffer - "Small Town Syndrome" from Make Them Suffer (2024)

5/5. Finally, we end the playlist and the song's original album with the best Make Them Suffer has to offer. Not just from the two vocalists, but also the impressive instrumentalists that help run the machine.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks Daniel for accepting this and your help with your submission, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Thanks, Daniel. Glad you agree.

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

https://metal.academy/hall/561

I blame Atheist for giving me such high expectations for tech death metal. While there are many good tech death bands, few can match what this album accomplishes; and none can match the elegant simplicity of the intro to Mother Man. In ten seconds we get the bass leading, then a surprisingly simple guitar riff, and finally the focus is on the drums. Each part in harmony, creating a whole that is much more than it seems. It's rare an album that can show exactly how well it works in it's opening notes.
It's not that there isn't anywhere else for the genre to go after hearing this album, it's just that it's hard for anyone to come up with something that doesn't sound worse. Each factor that goes into making a song good, does here. A perfect blend of aggression, technicality and melody. And unlike a lot of guitar solos where it comes down to a case of technicality or artistry, this never comes up here. If I had to complain, I'd say that even after years of extreme metal and having the lyrics, it can be hard to decipher the vocals.
I really don't have much critical thought on this one simply because it was almost everything I wanted out of tech death. What more did I want? Elements.

10/10

I've done my review, here's its summary:

Swedish violin-fueled metalcore masters Imminence has been gaining a lot more fans with their successful 2021 album Heaven in Hiding. Their growing maturity has pulled them towards their vision to please metalcore listeners with a unique atmospheric sound. Several singles for that album and its deluxe edition have spawned, and they came with immersive music videos for anyone wanting more than just the music experience. And now they're back with their new album The Black! Despite half the amount of songs having already been released as singles, their great consistency is still on, with heaviness from breakdowns and melodies from hooks. And of course, the violin is what helps them stay nicely different, while the songs attack with thick riffs and rhythms that fit with the drumming of Peter Hanstrom. You can expect songs focused on heavy aggression or majestic symphonics or both. Let your mind absorb The Black and remember the band's game-changing ways in the metalcore scene. A big impact rising out of the void!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "Heaven Shall Burn", "Beyond the Pale", "Death by a Thousand Cuts", "The Call of the Void", "Continuum", "The Black"

For fans of: Architects, Ne Obliviscaris (for the blend of violins and metal), Northlane

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Blue Stahli - "Obsidian" from Obsidian (2021)

5/5. I love the opening track of Blue Stahli's new album Obsidian, which in a way, is like a more cyber Circle of Dust. After building up in drums and guitars for almost a minute, you get to hear one of the darkest melodies in industrial metal. Then a minute after that part ends, a DOOM-like drop B-flat breakdown comes in before that melody is reprised once more. Truly exceptional! Bret Autrey has done fantastic work, even in the lyrics that only show up briefly.

Celldweller - "The Last Firstborn" from Celldweller (2003)

5/5. Another f***ing awesome piece of electro-industrial rock/metal! Many of Celldweller's songs have appeared in different TV shows, video games, and movies. There really should be more progressive songs for Klayton to create. I also love the heavy verses, first one at the one-minute mark.

Psyclon Nine - "Crown of the Worm" from Icon of the Adversary (2017)

4.5/5. Heavy is the f***ing crown worn by these masters of blackened electro-industrial metal.

Dawn of Ashes - "Poisoning the Steps of Babel" from Anathema (2013)

4/5. One of the most f***ing disturbing songs I've heard in industrial metal and probably any other genre. This dramatic blackened industrial metal sound is like a more electronic take on the symphonic black metal of Covenant and Dimmu Borgir. Adding to the disturbance is the muffled cries of torture heard throughout the song, most prominently during the final 30 seconds.

Red Queen - "Naked" from Star Blood (2016)

3.5/5. I said this before and I'll say it again; Red Queen is basically In This Moment gone Psyclon Nine/Dawn of Ashes.

Marilyn Manson - "In the Shadow of the Valley of Death" from Holy Wood (2000)

3/5. The soft acoustic first half sounds a little too poppy for me, but at least the second half has the industrial rock/metal that fans of the genre can adore.

OOMPH! - "Es ist nichts, wie es scheint" from Richter und Henker (2023)

3.5/5. Slightly better, but not by a long shot, since this is the unappealing to me Neue Deutsche Härte.

Rammstein - "Angst" from Zeit (2022)

4/5. This one stomps away the anxiety that Rammstein has written about in the lyrics.

Static-X - "Cold" from Machine (2001)

3.5/5. Many people remember this track from the movie Queen of the Damned. RIP Aaliyah, and RIP Wayne...

Meathook Seed - "Cling to an Image" from Embedded (1993)

4/5. The second-best song of this Meathook Seed album (behind its opener), in which dynamic beats intertwine with the complex guitar.

Fear Factory – "Scumgrief (Deep Dub Trauma Mix)" from Fear is the Mindkiller E.P. (1993)

2.5/5. This remix starts off promising with its original proto-melodeath riffing. However, the overuse of techno beats can be quite traumatic for the more deathly metalheads. Well, not all deathly metalheads. Daniel is the one who requested it, thanks for that.

Red Harvest - "Beyond the End" from Sick Transit Gloria Mundi (2002)

4/5. Some great extreme industrial metal from this Norwegian band!

The CNK - "Total Eclipse of Dead Europa" from L'hymne à la joie (2007)

3.5/5. Grand chorus and rhythms, though a little too pompous. Next!

Dodheimsgard - "Foe X Foe" from Supervillain Outcast (2007)

4/5. Fight against your foes with this piece of experimental blackened industrial metal!

In This Moment - "Mother" from Mother (2020)

4.5/5. The title track of In This Moment album has a spoken prayer in the intro followed by quiet piano before the powerful vocals explode in with tender moments. "I'll give you my everything, I'll never let you fall".

PAIN - "On and On" from Rebirth (1999)

5/5. One of the most f***ing kick-A songs in this dance-y kind of industrial metal. A cool one for any weight-lifters to train.

Luminous Vault - "Earth Daemon" from Animate the Emptiness (2022)

4.5/5. Sludgy blackened industrial metal worth battling your demons!

Neurotech - "We are the Last" from Antagonist (2011)

4/5. Wulf is quite a genius in his Neurotech project. The first 45 seconds have a sweet blend of epic orchestration and heavy riffing.

Mechina - "Elephtheria" from Empyrean (2013)

4.5/5. This is perhaps the most well-executed highlight in this Mechina album, never as poorly aging as the other tracks.

Turmion Katilot - "Verta Sataa" from Perstechnique (2011)

5/5. Having more of the stereotypical catchy industrial metal is this highlight that fuels the cyber sounds of The Kovenant and Deathstars.

Deathstars - "Trinity Fields" from Termination Bliss (2006)

4.5/5. Speaking of Deathstars, we have this track that's the longest of their 2006 album Termination Bliss, though only 4 and a half minutes long. It works as a relaxing change of pace in one of their gigs, or at home after a long day out. Different yet nicely great.

Black Magnet - "Hegemon" from Hallucination Scene (2020)

4/5. Similar vibes to late-80s Ministry/Godflesh, maybe even Machines of Loving Grace.

Unheilig - "Schneller, höher, weiter" from Astronaut (2006)

3.5/5. The vocals sounds quite good here, eerie while not in the same level as Count Dracula.

Samsas Traum - "Es tut uns leid" from Poesie: Friedrichs Geschichte (2015)

4/5. Also solid while I'm still not really into NDH. Now what else is here?...

Ministry - "Cult of Suffering" from HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES (2024)

4.5/5. Oh yeah, we have this Ministry track that's excellent despite relying so much on gospel-like female singing.

Sybreed - "System Debaser" from Slave Design (20th Anniversary Edition) (2024)

5/5. Swiss cyber/industrial metallers Sybreed plan have released a 20th anniversary remaster of their stellar debut Slave Design. It includes two new bonus tracks; a re-recording of "Bioactive" and this killer previously unreleased banger to close this playlist. No word on whether or not the band will truly reunite.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks Daniel for accepting this and your help with your submission, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Merauder – "Time Ends" from Master Killer (1995)

3.5/5. Let's start with a nice throwback to the mid-90s, when bands like Madball and Merauder showed us what early metalcore was made of. There's some cool metallic riffing, especially to start the last minute. Quite classic, though a little too f***ing hardcore.

Structures - "The Worst of Both Worlds" from Life Through a Window (2014)

4/5. This was actually the first track of the first very Revolution playlist back in August 2020, so it's a great throwback to that, and a fitting one too. It's the beginning of the never-ending cycle of Revolution playlists, and after being trapped in the headphones of metalheads with personal collections for years, it can finally be shared via Spotify. When that intro strikes, it strikes HARD. And there's great diversity in the vocals and guitars.

Becoming the Archetype - "The Time Bender" from I Am (2012)

4.5/5. One of the best tracks in this powerful Christian technical deathcore album. Instrumentally it sounds like a more deathly Nevermore. The instrumentation is so simple yet brutal, that coming from the same band who made that "Elegy" epic suite featuring Demon Hunter's Ryan Clark.

Lorna Shore - "White Noise" from Psalms (2015)

5/5. Now here's a vicious anthem of deathcore devastation, with drums kicking and smashing skulls like cannonballs launched into the face. Guiding drummer Austin Archey along in the assault is founding bassist Gary Herrera, providing heavy patterns in synchronization.

Slaughter to Prevail - "Zavali Ebalo" from Kostolom (2021)

4.5/5. The lyrics in this one are quite brutal, even the Russian verses. Amazing content! Somehow this is like a blend of Slipknot and Brand of Sacrifice.

As I Lay Dying - "We are the Dead (feat. Alex Terrible, Tom Barber)" from We are the Dead (2024)

4/5. As this band seems close to being dead with its dissolving lineup and more drama coming to light involving remaining member frontman Tim Lambesis, the enjoyment factor starts to slowly wear off. With that said, the guest vocals and f***ing searing guitar work make the song more interesting.

Wage War - "Stitch" from Deadweight (2017)

4.5/5. F*** yeah, Wage War! PICK IT UP!!!

Ice Nine Kills - "So This is My Future" from Safe is Just a Shadow (2010)

5/5. This was what I thought of the coronavirus situation at first, fearing a future of a world of plague and having to stay in our homes to survive. Epic metalcore song!

Thrown - "Guilt" from EXCESSIVE GUILT (2024)

4.5/5. Bands like Thrown, TEN56, and Alpha Wolf can throw brutal heaviness at you for two and a half minutes, heavier than Linkin Park could with "One Step Closer".

Jeris Johnson - "Siren Song" from Dragonborn (2024)

4/5. More of the epic blend of melodic metalcore and power metal in Jeris Johnson's Dragonborn album comes in my favorite track of the album. You may recognize "Greensleeves" as the main melody, and holy f***, it can definitely compete with August Burns Red's "What Child is This?" cover. Merry Christmas!

Oh, Sleeper - "The Siren's Song" from When I Am God (2007)

4.5/5. Then we follow it up with another, more dramatic "Siren Song", with beautiful lyrics. God bless!

Atreyu - "Right Side of the Bed" from The Curse (2004)

5/5. I love the melody in this one! The Curse was the last album before bassist Marc McKnight joined the band shortly after its release and former unclean vocalist Alex Varkatzas started adding his own clean vocals in subsequent albums for the rest of his time with the band. Some might know this song from the racing video game Burnout 3: Takedown. This works as a bridge between the melodeath riffing of In Flames and the metalcore of Bullet for My Valentine.

Haste the Day - "One Life to Live" from Burning Bridges (2004)

4.5/5. One of the most inspiring songs from this band. Enough said!

Aviana - "Overcome" from Corporation (2022)

4/5. Another brutal banger! What else can I say?

Alleviate - "Broken" from DMNS (2024)

4.5/5. Yet another amazing track. Really!

Out of Vision - "Disintegrated" from Deceiving Lights (2024)

4/5. Here's another track with Alleviate vocalist Marius Wedler. A relatable track to listen to!

Jinjer - "Kafka" from Kafka (2024)

4.5/5. A progressive metalcore song inspired by Kafka. Jinjer has great f***ing talent!

Silent Planet - "Dreamwalker" from SUPERBLOOM (2023)

5/5. F***ing killer atmospheric metalcore! This song and several others from their new album Superbloom were inspired by the band's horrifying tour bus crash and vocalist Garrett Russell's near-death experience from that incident. Luckily he's still alive.

Imminence - "Surrender" from Heaven in Hiding (2021)

4.5/5. You just gotta hear how intense this band is!

Monasteries - "Final Note 2 You" from Ominous (2023)

4/5. Monasteries made their final note to technical deathcore fans with their sole studio album before disbanding.

Brand of Sacrifice, Will Ramos - "Lifeblood" from Lifeblood (2021)

4.5/5. Lorna Shore's Will Ramos shows his f***ing berserk vocals in this chaotic banger. The choir towards the end stirs up some more Lorna Shore vibes.

Converge - "Plagues" from No Heroes (2006)

4/5. Then we have this sludgy mathcore track.

Botch - "Swimming the Channel vs. Driving the Chunnel" from We are the Romans (1999)

4.5/5. The guitar leads here are simple yet frighteningly ominous, building up into one of the eeriest songs in metalcore/mathcore. Almost the entire song has just that guitar melody with different variations, accompanied by eerie spoken vocals. Soon the vocals stop, but the guitar melody is still going with the drums that fade out as well. That's quite a timid ambient song...

The Chariot - "Then Came to Kill" from The Fiancée (2007)

5/5. Imagine if Jen Ledger from Skillet contributed her own vocals to an August Burns Red song. This song is it right there! The second half that includes the beautiful vocals of Hayley Williams from Paramore is beyond epic. A match made in metal/hardcore heaven! The Chariot vocalist Josh Scogin still have vocal power from his time with Norma Jean. There's peace in the mathcore chaos!

Bullet for My Valentine - "All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)" from The Poison (2005)

4.5/5. No solo, but still amazing!

Dead by April - "Lost" from Incomparable (2011)

4.5/5. This was one of the earliest Dead by April songs, having existed before even their self-titled debut. Another amazing song worth appreciating!

Bleed from Within - "Alive" from Era (2018)

5/5. Absolutely kick-A downtuned melodic metalcore with beautiful lyrics!

Norma Jean - "IV. The Nexus" from Polar Similar (2016)

4.5/5. This 10-minute epic begins with a soft Buckethead-ish intro, then after a couple minutes, rises into ambient metalcore similar to late 2000s Underoath. And a couple more minutes later, g****mn this heaviness is really breaking things apart! Finally, as with many good things, it has to end, as the final two minutes are nothing but an ambient drift into nothingness and hard-to-decipher spoken lyrics. Polar Similar is the start of a heavier more atmospheric new era for Norma Jean to follow in their next couple albums. So melodic and hypnotic to go with the rawness! This band shall stay moshing in my metal heart.

Eighteen Visions - "Dead Rose" from The Best of (2001)

5/5. Finally we have this playlist's heaviest way out and my favorite here. Even those most unfamiliar with Eighteen Visions would love it.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks Daniel for accepting this and your help with your submission, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Well 2024 is almost in the rearview and it's about that time that we enter into the new year ass first and look to see what stood out among the rest in metal music in the previous year. As a distinguished member of the Infinite clan, putting this list together is always the most challenging. It's the one with the most reviews of any clan during the year, but with so many crossover's the ones that truly belong in the Infinite list might be surprising. If there are any albums that seem like obvious omissions, check those albums other clan leaning and you'll likely find that album there. As for the Infinite exclusively:

1. Klone - The Unseen

2. Thy Catafalque - XII: A gyönyörű álmok ezután jönnek 

3. Anciients - Beyond the Reach of the Sun

4. Ihsahn - Ihsahn

5. Dvne - Voidkind

6. Calligula's Horse - Charcoal Grace

7.. Opeth - The Last Will and Testament

8. Locrian - End Terrain

9. Intervals - Memory Palace

10. Wheel - Charismatic Leaders

The last month of the year has been insane with Opeth, Thy Catafalque and Klone bullying their way to the top of the chart. There wasn't that much bad progressive metal that I heard in 2024, but a bunch of it turned forgettable in one way or another. With lackluster returns by Oceans of Slumber and Alcest, a new crop can spring forth into the top ten. I really need to listen to that Cave Sermon album don't I Xephyr?

Well 2024 is almost in the rearview and it's about that time that we enter into the new year ass first and look to see what stood out among the rest in metal music in the previous year. As a distinguished member of the Gateway clan, it might come as a surprise that it is also one of my most frustrating listens on a yearly basis. But whose to say we cannot rustle some feathers? So here's my list:

1. Reliqa - Secrets of the Future

2. Poppy - Negative Spaces

3. Devin Townsend - PowerNerd

4. Northlane - Mirror's Edge

5. Slope - Freak Dreams

6. Pain - I Am

7. Graphic Nature - Who Are You When No One Is Watching?

8. Blanket - Ceremonia

9. Imminence - The Black

10. Vended - Vended

Just a top 10 obviously because there were quite a few records that don't deserve mention in this conversation. Alternative metalcore dominates this list once again, but bands like Reliqa, Vended and Graphic Nature are bringing nu metal back.

Here's my review summary:

For over a decade, I've considered myself to be a metal nerd. Not to brag, but I know a lot about the different metal bands and genres I've listened to all these years. Even when I seem to distance myself from a genre or at least bands from a genre and have done it for a few years, I can still remember many of my experiences with those bands' material. One of those artists is Devin Townsend. With his new album PowerNerd, he once again explores different genres while standing by his prog/alt-metal. Some tracks are filled with anthemic and joyful rock, while a couple others are soft and spacey. Devin Townsend fans are once again reminded of what a progressive metal superhero he is. While I have my own metal heroes, I don't mind revisiting this musical genius once in a while and checking out amazing offerings like this one. Creativity can be anyone's superpower, but he isn't just anyone!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "PowerNerd", "Knuckledragger", "Ubelia", "Jainism", "Glacier", "Goodbye"

For fans of: the 2009 albums of Devin Townsend Project, Strapping Young Lad, Nothing More

I don't hear much of a gothic component to be honest so it's gonna be a NO from me. It's predominantly a progressive metal release & I was really, really close to nominating it for inclusion in The North under black metal too because that's clearly the base sound they've used to expand on.

https://metal.academy/hall/553

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

https://metal.academy/hall/551

https://metal.academy/hall/550

https://metal.academy/hall/549

Thanks Daniel.

This nomination has been posted in the Hall of Judgement:

https://metal.academy/hall/547

This nomination has been added to the Hall of Judgement:

https://metal.academy/hall/546

This nomination has been added to the Hall of Judgement:

https://metal.academy/hall/545

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

Let's also not forget the awful cover songs on early Megadeth albums with Boots and Anarchy... both being especially loathesome.

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Neurotech - "Blue Screen Planet (Part I Axiom)" from Blue Screen Planet (2011)

3.5/5. Let's start this playlist with a bombastic journey of symphonic cyber metal... Well, too bombastic. Some parts are overdone, which very much exemplifies the paraphrased adage, "Too many ingredients spoil the broth." While this epic is still solid, Neurotech's 10-minute explorations are better explored in the later symphonies.

Mechina - "The Grand Hunt" from Cenotaph (2023)

4/5. Now this is a slightly better piece of epic cyber metal, this one by Mechina. If this banger was ever performed live, expect a slamming battle in the crowd. The glorious vocals and kick-A rhythms hit the spot, despite those bombastic symphonics again.

Lord of the Lost - "Leave Your Hate in the Comments" from Blood & Glitter (2022)

4.5/5. This one is a big "f*** you" to those who can plague the internet with negativity from the privacy of their home. I'm amazed by how brilliant this is, having the "take no sh*t" attitude the rest of the album would have.

Psyclon Nine - "We the Fallen" from We the Fallen (2009)

5/5. One of the best songs by Psyclon Nine, in both the music and vocals! And this was when they were really transitioning out of their aggrotech roots into industrial metal.

Eisbrecher - "Zwischen Uns" from Schock (2015)

4.5/5. The lyrics are quite well-done despite being in German. It's sad that I'm not from Germany, otherwise I would understand these songs a lot more.

Device - "Vilify" from Device (2013)

4/5. Following this is the best choice for the Device's first single. It's a great highlight of Draiman's strong vocals.

Red Queen - "Asyphyx" from Star Blood (2016)

4/5. In This Moment goes Psyclon Nine... Interesting mix!

OOMPH! - "Land Ahead (feat. Sharon den Adel)" from Truth or Dare (2010)

4.5/5. Beautiful vocals by Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation! This is an English version of an earlier OOMPH! song "Land in Sicht".

Motionless in White - "Reincarnate: Reincarnated" from Reincarnate: 10 Year Anniversary (2024)

5/5. As with the original version, this highlight has some deep synths and metalcore riffing that begin when Chris shouts "GET UP!" What really makes this song accessible within the extremeness is the melodic Breaking Benjamin-like chorus, all piecing together a simply great structure.

Blue Stahli - "Lakes of Flame" from Lakes of Flame (2018)

4.5/5. This killer single was supposed to be in the Obsidian album but didn't make it in. How much can Blue Stahli and Celldweller surprise their listeners with their respective singles?! A lot, that's what! Though this one sounds more suitable for Celldweller's Satellites. Think about this like a more metallic The Prodigy. WE NEED F***ING MORE!!! It's actually a better change of style than what Within Temptation have done that year. And it definitely has some DOOM vibes in the aggressive instrumentation.

Circle of Dust - "Humanarchy" from Machines of Our Disgrace (2016)

5/5. Though not as aggressive as this chaotic track. It's like Nailbomb 2.0!

Celldweller - "Good L_ck (Yo_'re F_cked)" from End of an Empire (2015)

4.5/5. Imagine an emo-ish boss battle soundtrack, this song could be that!

PAIN - "Dancing With the Dead" from Dancing With the Dead (2005)

5/5. Two of the most melodic bands I enjoy nowadays are PAIN and Powerwolf. For PAIN, some of us can relate to the lyrics of struggling madness in this h*ll of an addictive track, especially if you're on the edge of life.

Ruoska - "Alasin" from Amortem (2006)

4.5/5. This band rules, and I wish they could release their next album to break this 16-year gap. I don't need Rammstein when I have this Finnish band!

Dead World - "The Machine" from The Machine (1993)

4/5. This track has Voivod-like riffing while staying slow and doom-ish as usual.

Killing Joke - "Judas Goat" from Hosannas From the Basements of Hell (2006)

4.5/5. This one leads you to the darkest depth of Hell with more technical drumming, guitar rhythms, and singing almost like a mantra.

Fear Factory - "Pisschrist" from Demanufacture (1995)

5/5. Despite the name, this highlight is a total industrial mind-smasher. It starts dark and heavy before rising into epic drama. Alongside industrial samples and drumming, it then leads to more of the furious growls and apocalyptic cleans by Burton C. Bell, the latter especially the ending of atmospheric majesty. "Where is your savior now?"

Lindemann - "Praise Abort" from Skills in Pills (2015)

4.5/5. Even a song like this can take on a controversial topic without causing a storm of conservative protesters.

Ministry - "Brick Windows" from Filth Pig (1996)

4/5. This one brings back some earlier experimentation. Fantastic lyrics in this one!

Godflesh - "Don't Bring Me Flowers" from Pure (1992)

4.5/5. This one helps the band stand by their principles for this highlight.

Code Orange - "The Above" from The Above (2023)

5/5. The title finale of the new Code Orange album summarizes all that the band has stated. The exciting ominous crescendo of transcending vocals, chords, and leads shows their loud diversity. The changes in the beat and the dynamics are all in decent calculation and mark a climatic conclusion to this powerful journey.

Fange - "Les Vergers De La Désolation" from Pantocrator (2021)

4.5/5. We still have one more track, and it's the second 10+ minute epic of both its original album and this playlist. It sounds more post-rock-ish, while maintaining a lot of the industrial effects. Lots of moods, melody, and textures... They can add in a slight bit of accessibility while staying in the underground.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks Daniel for accepting this and your help with your submission, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Bury Your Dead - "Minority Report" from We Are Bury Your Dead (2019)

5/5. "It's f***ing time to rock, baby!" Bury Your Dead is still alive and stirring up some dark heavy bangers. This is the kind of raging metallic hardcore you can hear in other bands like Kublai Khan. This is the perfect brutal start for this playlist to immediately get familiar with the hardcore heaviness. They've also returned to naming their songs after Tom Cruise films, this one named after Minority Report, which has been overly repeated on TV in my country.

Rings of Saturn - "Infused" from Lugal Ki En (2014)

4.5/5. Who knew brutal technical deathcore can sound beautiful?! I love the vocals and cosmic guitar fiddling! I just wish they could've added vocals to their new album.

Fit for a King - "TECHNIUM" from TECHNIUM (2024)

4/5. Once the bass drops at the "DROP IT", you're in for another wild ride.

Unbroken - "D4" from Life.Love.Regret. (1994)

3.5/5. Beginning this track is crushing sinister riffing, then it makes a slow transition to really grow on you.

Kingdom of Giants - "Bloodworm" from Bleeding Star (2024)

4/5. This banger would get you hooked from the very beginning. When the heavy riffing comes in between the two parts of the chorus near the one-minute mark, it has the destructive power of Alpha Wolf. Starting the last minute is an ominous 20-second buildup to a pulverizing breakdown. That's one thing to make a f***ing banger!

Loded Diper - "Rodrick Rules" from Loded Diper (2019)

4.5/5. The only one Loded Diper dialogue-sampled instrumental I really enjoy, with its kick-A thrashy metalcore instrumentation.

Trivium - "Pillars of Serpents" from Ember to Inferno (2003)

5/5. Then it transits to this chugging churning example of heavy metalcore, still audible enough for the ears. In fact you can hear a bit of the bass clearly in the mix.

Becoming the Archetype - "Elegy" from Terminate Damnation (2005)

5/5. A true metalcore epic that can fit well in a battle between Heaven and Hell. I would recommend it to any metalhead, whether or not they're Christian.

Aviana - "Obsession" from Corporation (2022)

4.5/5. Get ready for some more of this heavy metalcore fire! It can't surpass Lorna Shore's idea of making heaviness beautiful, but it comes f***ing close.

Thrown - "Fast Forward" from EXTENDED PAIN (2022)

4/5. Thrown can easily fast forward through face-smacking metalcore in just two minutes. The screamed lyrics actually sound so clear.

Chelsea Grin - "Forever Bloom (feat. Trevor Strnad)" from Suffer in Hell (2022)

4.5/5. RIP Trevor Strnad. I felt up to paying tribute to this melodeath vocalist with 3 deathcore songs featuring him. His vocals sound so crazily brutal here, though I also enjoy Tom Barber's vocal contributions.

Shadow of Intent - "Barren and Breathless Macrocosm" from Melancholy (2019)

5/5. Here's the second Trevor Strnad-featured track, this one practically surpassing the previous one. Insane drumming and vocals here! The riffing reminds of early Whitechapel, especially during the cinematic ending.

Traitors - "Burnout" from Night Terrors (2015)

4.5/5. And here's the 3rd Trevor Strnad-featured track, which is f***ing great, though the previous one is still the best of the trio. Once again, RIP...

Lorna Shore - "FVNERAL MOON" from Flesh Coffin (2017)

5/5. Up next is this great highlight. There are two breakdowns that would burst out of nowhere and crush your bones, then you're pulled back into speedy soloing and fantastic riffing. A much better balance than that small fraction of their debut!

Aurorawave - "KINDNESS. (with Attila)" from Aurorawave (2024)

4.5/5. Now how about some reggae-infused metalcore featuring Fronz from Attila?! Every listen is as great as the first!

Memphis May Fire - "The American Dream" from Remade in Misery (2022)

4.5/5. One word: AMERICA!!!!!!!

Ice Nine Kills - "Rocking the Boat" from The Silver Scream (2018)

5/5. This highlight is based on Jaws and features original member Jeremy Schwartz, name-drops all of the band previous albums and The Burning EP, and has a killer metalcore breakdown.

It Dies Today - "Son of Dawn" from Son of Dawn (2024)

4.5/5. This year was really the perfect time for someone who hasn't listened to American metalcore during its peak years of the 2000s to discover this band, right when they're making a comeback. Their new single certainly has the greatness of their debut!

The Devil Wears Prada - "To the Key of Evergreen" from Transit Blues (2016)

5/5. A perfect piece of metalcore with a beautiful soft bridge. Enough said!

Imminence - "The Seventh Seal" from I (2014)

4.5/5. This band is still amazing metalcore fans throughout the 10 years since their debut.

Bury Tomorrow - "Heretic (feat. Loz Taylor)" from The Seventh Sun (2023)

5/5. Bury Tomorrow's 7th album has some of the best tracks to remind me of Invent Animate and While She Sleeps. Speaking of the latter, I love the guest appearance by that band's lead vocalist Loz Taylor, though the intense harsh vocals of Daniel Winter-Bates and gritty clean vocals of Tom Prendergast work as well. A d*mn perfect banger!

Pridelands - "Antipathy" from Light Bends (2022)

4.5/5. Pridelands seems to have adopted the ambient metalcore stylings of Thornhill that was abandoned after that band's debut The Dark Pool, and it shows all the way up to the killer breakdown. It shall fuel your metalcore ears with f***ing fire! Sharptone is a great home for many impressive modern metalcore bands and their releases. The fire cools down slightly at the two and a half minute mark, then lights up f***ing higher with brutal vocals in front of a d*mn bouncy groove. Then the killer breakdown comes on.

We Came as Romans - "Cold Like War" from Cold Like War (2017)

5/5. One of the best songs I've heard from this band and melodic metalcore! Imagine skydiving while listening to this perfect song. Still missing you, Kyle Pavone. RIP

As I Lay Dying - "The Cave We Fear to Enter" from The Cave We Fear to Enter (2024)

4.5/5. As I Lay Dying is not dead yet, but it might as well be, considering all the members except Tim Lambesis have just left the band, mere weeks before the scheduled release of their upcoming album Through Storms Ahead. Nonetheless, the band's signature melodic metalcore sound has been shining since their second album Frail Words Collapse. And songs like this one empower me with strength. I have a great feeling about this album that might possibly be the band's swansong offering. I sometimes wonder what this song would sound like with their classic lineup though.

Varials - ".50" from Scars for You to Remember (2022)

5/5. The music and vocals are so savage here! Mitchell Rogers switching from lead guitar to lead vocals was a clever move because of how hard his vocals can hit.

Hatebreed - "Shut Me Out" from For the Lions (2009)

4.5/5. Jamey Jasta's vocals crash through in a f***ing hardcore blitz in this Sick of It All cover you'll never get sick of.

Make Them Suffer - "27" from 27 (2018)

4/5. D*mn, those lyrics can break you apart then build you back up again!

Car Bomb - "Cellophane Stiletto" from Centralia (2007)

3.5/5. Things go as crazy as Fantomas in this one.

Iwrestledabearonce - "The Cat's Pajamas" from It's All Happening (2009)

4/5. If there are people out there who think I've missed on metalcore/mathcore during its peak era of the late 2000s, let me ask them something. Were they 25-year-old metalcore listeners writing comments about tracks in playlists back then? Probably, but either way, this kind of music is timeless!

The Number Twelve Looks Like You - "Like a Cat" from Nuclear. Sad. Nuclear (2005)

4.5/5. "What is the point of laying in a comfortable position if you can't fall asleep in it?" That sounds like another good question to relate to the past, "What is the point of reliving the past if you can't stay in it?", something I would ask those people I've mentioned in the above comment. Hardcore can have so many changes within a song.

The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza - "Big Pun's Not Dead Because I Just Saw Him at Krispy Kreme" from The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza (2005)

4/5. All right, I admit it... The rapping parts are quite amusing like "I can't breathe! I can't breathe!" (that aged poorly 15 years later) and "Life is so trivial... I'm cryin' in my cereal..." But I, along with the more serious metalheads around here, am here for the main mathcore song. This might remind some of Into the Moat, which I should really check out someday. I guess I could've ended this playlist slightly better....

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks Daniel for accepting this and your help with your submission, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!